4 Reasons Why You Should Let Bridesmaids Choose Their Own Dresses

In recent years, the wedding industry has been all about mismatched bridesmaid dresses. This offbeat, natural look creates a beautiful visual of varying colors and styles. With this option, however, each bridesmaid is typically granted the chance to choose her own dress. It’s a big step from the traditional practice of the bride making the final decision for the entire group.

This type of approach makes for gorgeous photo opportunities, too. The popularity of ombre has fueled the love for mismatched dresses within a specific color palette. It also works especially well for weddings that incorporate nature. Think rustic, woodland, and garden weddings. However, it can be easily incorporated into more glamorous celebrations with the right choice of fabrics.

The advantages stretch beyond visuals, though. It’s an ideal option if you truly want to share every moment of the wedding process with your best girls. Plus, it’s an excellent way to mix things up if you’re not one for tradition. Still on the fence? Keep reading for a list of surprising benefits.

1. They’ll Feel Comfortable

When your bridesmaids choose their own dresses, they are more likely to feel comfortable on your big day. They will be wearing it for many hours, after all. Additionally, every person has different clothing preferences. Some women like more modest cuts, while others like to show a little skin. Others may prefer short-sleeved dresses over strapless styles. Some might feel more confident when rocking a specific kind of neckline.

Body type and skin tone will also be taken into consideration. What will work for one bridesmaid might not work for the other. This is especially important to keep in mind if your bridesmaids are a diverse bunch of ladies. However, when each bridesmaid picks a different dress, they can wear something that makes them feel amazing. They will be more likely to radiate confidence as they stand by your side.

2. It’s Less Stressful

Wedding planning involves making decisions… lots of them. And when it comes to making a choice that will impact an entire group of people, things can get a little crazy. It goes without saying that it can be difficult to consider multiple opinions at once.

Picking out bridesmaid dresses is no exception. Sure, it might be your big day, but it wouldn’t be possible without your best girls by your side. By letting each bridesmaid choose her own dress, the only person she will need to consult is you. Granting individual tokens of approval is much easier than doing it on a group level.

3. You’ll Save Money

There are two ways to go about letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses. You can let them choose from a pre-determined set that will be included in your wedding budget, or you can allow them to purchase their own dresses and save yourself some cash.

While the latter might seem like a gray area, there are many benefits to this option. For starters, the last two concepts will be emphasized: when they are spending their own money on a dress, they will be more likely to choose something that they feel good in and it’s less for you to worry about.

The decision-making process will also be easier. Of course, don’t forget to express specific requests. This can include anything from a range of dress lengths to a general color palette. Tell them if they should stick to solids or patterns. If you prefer a specific fabric, let them know. And if you don’t? Make this known as well.

If you plan to gift them jewelry to wear on the big day, show it to them. This will provide guidance in choosing a dress that works with the jewelry. If you’d rather surprise them on the day of, give them a brief description of the shape and style of each piece.

4. They’ll Use It Again

We all know about the predictable fate of a bridesmaid dress. Often, the dress is tucked away, never to see the light of day again. This is especially common when the dress is in a color, shade, or cut that the bridesmaid wouldn’t typically wear.

When a bridesmaid picks her dress, she will deviate toward something that she loves. In the future, she will be more likely to wear it over and over again. It doubles as a wearable memory of your big day. This will get the most out of every dollar spent, regardless of who shelled out the cash. It sure beats knowing that a dress is collecting dust in the depths of a closet and is one the most sustainable moves you can make as a bride.